Lions 2023 draft preview: Detroit could find long-term value in restocking at receiver

Over the next several days, leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft, we’re taking a position-by-position look at the Detroit Lions’ roster and evaluating how the team might address each unit. Today: Wide receiver.

▶ Current roster: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Marvin Jones, Josh Reynolds, Kalif Raymond, Quintez Cephus, Maurice Alexander, Trinity Benson, Tom Kennedy, Stanley Berryhill

▶ Short-term need: 2.5 out of 10

▶ Long-term need: 7.5 out of 10

▶ Top prospects: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Quentin Johnston, Zay Flowers, Jordan Addison, Jalin Hyatt

▶ Day 2 options: Cedric Tillman, A.T. Perry, Marvin Mims Jr., Rashee Rice, Josh Downs

▶ Late-round considerations: Xavier Hutchinson, Bryce Ford-Wheaton, Andrei Iosivas, Jonathan Mingo

▶ Analysis: The Lions lost a receiver this offseason but filled the void with an old friend, bringing back Jones to replace the DJ Chark-sized void in the offense.

How much Jones has left in the tank remains to be seen. The 33-year-old Jones, who last suited up for Detroit in 2020, is coming off a year where his workload and production took sharp dips. His 44 snaps per game were his fewest since his second season, way back in 2013, and the only time he averaged fewer than his 33.1 yards per game in 2022 was his rookie year.

Jones joins a deep group in Detroit, headlined by St. Brown and Williams. St. Brown, entering his third season, is a bona fide star, racking up 196 receptions through his first two campaigns. And the Lions will be looking for a lot more from Williams — a true home-run threat every time the ball is in his hands — after a minimally productive rookie campaign that was far more focused on getting his body right after he tore his ACL last year in January.

That projected starting trio is supplemented by quality depth in Raymond and Reynolds. Raymond, Detroit’s All-Pro punt returner, contributed a career-high 616 receiving yards last season, while Reynolds fought through some injuries to chip in 479 yards on 38 catches. That’s the second-best output of his six-year career.

But here’s why the Lions can’t rest on what they’ve got: Jones, Raymond and Reynolds will all be operating on expiring deals. That means there’s value in restocking the cupboards early for general manager Brad Holmes.

And while it might not seem like a top priority, we shouldn’t be quick to rule out the team addressing wide receiver as early as the first round of the draft. Given the rapidly rising price tag associated with the position, there’s undeniable value in getting a cost-capped asset under team control for the next four, potentially five years.

To be clear, we’re talking pick No. 18 overall. There isn’t an option at No. 6 that makes a lot of sense. But whether it’s the massive slot potential of Smith-Njigba, the big-bodied Johnston out of TCU, or the precision route running and quickness of Flowers, who has some Tyler Lockett to his game, they all merit being in the conversation at that spot.

Adding size is particularly appealing after Chark’s departure, particularly if there’s above-average speed attached. And there are some options who should be available to the Lions on the draft’s second day that fit that description. Both Tillman and Perry measured 6-foot-3 or taller and showcased the ability to consistently make plays deep during their college careers.

In the later rounds, Ford-Wheaton and Iosivas also offer size and speed. Both ran their 40 at 4.43 seconds or better at the combine, but they figure to require more refinement with their overall skill sets before they’re ready to contribute at the next level in a meaningful way.

Hutchinson is a tad smaller, at 6-2, and not as fast as Ford-Wheaton or Iosivas. Still, Hutchinson’s competitiveness and willingness to engage as a perimeter blocker could carry appeal for a team that emphasizes those intangibles.

jdrogers@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @Justin_Rogers